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Temple of Olympian Zeus: A Colossal Ruin

Explore the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, a once-magnificent monument to the king of the gods and ancient Athenian ambition.

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The Temple of Olympian Zeus, or Olympieion, in Athens, was one of the largest temples in the ancient world, dedicated to Zeus. Construction began in the 6th century BC but wasn't completed until the 2nd century AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian. Today, only a few towering columns remain, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur.

A brief summary to Temple of Olympian Zeus

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground and exploring a large area.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during summer.
  • Purchase a combined ticket to save money if you plan to visit other nearby archaeological sites like the Acropolis and Ancient Agora.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade available at the site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is approximately a 10-minute walk. Head south on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue. The temple entrance will be on your left, just past Hadrian's Arch. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro station to the Temple of Olympian Zeus is Akropoli. From the Akropoli metro station, walk approximately 5 minutes east. Exit the station and follow the signs towards the temple. A single metro ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens, including near Syntagma Square. A short taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the Temple of Olympian Zeus typically takes only a few minutes. The average taxi fare within the city center is around €8. There is a base fare of €1.80, and a charge of €0.90/km during the day.

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Discover more about Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, stands as a colossal, ruined testament to ancient Athens' ambition and devotion to the king of the Olympian gods. Construction of this immense temple began in the 6th century BC, envisioned by the Athenian tyrants to be the greatest temple in the ancient world. However, the project was plagued by interruptions and wasn't completed until the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, some 638 years after its inception. During its short-lived glory, the temple boasted 104 towering Corinthian columns, reaching a height of 17 meters, making it the largest temple in Greece. Inside, a colossal gold and ivory statue of Zeus, crafted by the renowned sculptor Phidias, further amplified its magnificence. The temple symbolized the power and wealth of Athens, serving as a central focus of the ancient city. Unfortunately, the temple's grandeur was short-lived. It was pillaged during a Germanic invasion in 267 AD, just a century after its completion, and fell into disuse. In the centuries that followed, the temple was extensively quarried for building materials. Today, only 15 columns remain standing, offering a mere glimpse of its former splendor. Visitors can also explore the nearby Arch of Hadrian, erected to honor the Roman Emperor who completed the temple, and the remains of the Themistoclean Wall. Despite its ruined state, the Temple of Olympian Zeus remains a captivating site, inviting visitors to imagine the scale and artistry of ancient Greece.

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